Madison — Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp on Tuesday defended Gov. Scott Walker's plan to turn the Natural Resources Board into an advisory panel, instead of one that makes policy, even as she acknowledged she had not been consulted on the proposal in advance.

"I feel that it's extra layers," Stepp said of the board in a briefing to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee. "I think it's duplicative."

The idea has sparked opposition from Democrats as well as some of Walker's fellow Republicans. Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) said he had "some concerns" about the plan.(52)

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp., then so is chief executive Michael Koss, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

In a suit filed last week, the bank argues that if a jury finds Park Bank liable for the loss, then Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, the firm's former auditor, should have to pay some of the award.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," Park Bank wrote in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss in this case those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(1)

State representative from Racine slams Waukesha water deal with Oak Creek

Count state Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine) among opponents of the City of Waukesha's deal to buy Lake Michigan water from Oak Creek, particularly if Waukesha's wastewater is discharged to the Root River. »Read Full Blog Post

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No they couldn't have. One of the stipulations of the compact is they must return an equal volume of water to the GL basin. Why would you post here if you don't have the slightest idea of what you're talking about?

I hope the Great Lakes Compact rejects this deal. Oak Creek is tiny municipality that should not have the authority to sell Lake Michigan water to anyone. One of the benefits of being ON THE LAKE is that you have access to that resource. Waukesha is inland, people moved there by choice knowing they would not have access to Lake Michigan.

Stop, I disagree. Clearly the attempts to stop Waukesha from getting the water has to do with their growth and business friendly attitudes compared to the Anti-Business policies of Milwaukee City and County. Milwaukee is a very business unfriendly community. High taxes, very few incentives, difficult zoning, etc. Add to that a failed school system and it's almost impossible. There are major businesses currently shopping around to move out. If the Journal had a real news reporter left, they'd ask firms like Rockwell, C&D Technologies, Northwestern Mutual, Fortus, US Bank and several others, when they plan to move.

Please read the entire story - "The announced water deal is dependent on Wisconsin and the other seven Great Lakes states approving the historic diversion of water across the subcontinental divide separating the Lake Michigan and Mississippi River watersheds."Also, per the Great Lakes compact, the treated water must be returned back to the other (Lake Michigan) side of the subcontinental divide, so there is no net water loss to Lake Michigan.How the water gets back there (Root River, or ??) is the main issue.

I know you are easily confused DCN but Oak Creek has simply partnered with Waukesha in this endeavor. Now, the great lakes committee needs to vote on it. I tried to type this as slow as I could, I can't add pictures so I hope you get it now!

Could someone please explain how this is any different than the City of Milwaukee selling Lake Michigan water to someone like Miller Brewing? How does the water they bottle in their beer get back to Lake Michigan?

Time for Waukesha to really demonstrate the need for regional co-operation. Let's have the sheriff's department conduct a safety check of all semis coming into the county from Milwaukee. The freeway will be so tied up that you won't be able to pull out of your driveway on your cushy east-side home.

Chuck, that's great that you work close to work, I don't. I have a home in Milwaukee that lost over $70,000 in value since Tommy the Taxer took office. Believe me, I'd like to move closer to my office but I can't find anyone dumb enough to move into Milwaukee.